Chicopee Police Chief’s Appointment Vacated

CHICOPEE, Mass. Chicopee’s police chief is out of a job after less than a year after the state Civil Service Commission determined that the selection process was “tainted by personal and political bias.”

Former Mayor Michael Bissonnette named Thomas Charette acting chief in June 2012 and appointed him permanently last spring.

But Deputy Chief William Jebb appealed the appointment, saying under Civil Service rules he was the top candidate and should have received the job.

The Civil Service Commission in its decision Thursday said Charette was appointed against recommendations and because of personal animosity from the mayor against Jebb.

Jebb’s lawyer says the hiring process was “toxic” and “corrupt.”

Hiring a new chief is now in the hands of Mayor Richard Kos, who had no comment.